If, by Rory McIlroy’s candid admission, this was a “scrappy” opening to his US PGA Championship then the remainder of the Valhalla field has cause to worry. A five under par 66 from McIlroy in Kentucky served as the latest indication he is close to ending an occasionally painful wait for a fifth major title that stretches back to 2014.
McIlroy’s caution was understandable. The 35-year-old’s putter kept his head above water before a three-hole stretch of birdies from the 5th, McIlroy’s 14th. The Northern Irishman chipped in at the 6th. The upshot was an inward half of 31, which leaves McIlroy four from Xander Schauffele, the first-round leader.
